Conversations with Influencers and Disruptors

Live conversations every other Wednesday at 4 pm Pacific

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Conversations with Influencers
and Disruptors

Live conversations every
Wednesday at 4 pm Pacific

Learn More

This show would not be possible without the support of the Santa Barbara community.
Thank you.

Upcoming Salon Conversations

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TEDNext 2024

Saturday November 2, 2024 11AM - 1:30PM Pacific
This is your chance to experience the transformative ideas and insights from TEDNext 2024, handpicked for their impact and relevance. Whether you’re looking to fuel your personal growth or spark change in your community, these talks will provide the necessary inspiration and tools.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
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David R. Shostak, PMP – Human Versatility, Unlocking the Power to Drive Innovation

November 13, 2024 - 4PM Pacific
David Shostak will explore how versatility helps individuals step beyond job titles, tackle challenges, and drive efficiency across industries.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk
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Doug Katsev, MD – Advanced Technologies Enhance Global Eye Health

December 11, 2024 - 4PM Pacific
Dr. Katsev, with over 35 years of experience and 35,000 sight-saving surgeries performed across five continents, shares how advancements in eye surgery technology have transformed local and global healthcare.
Speaker bio & Register for this talk

Salons

Regular events for smaller groups to explore single topics of community interest
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Adventures

Regular field trips for smaller groups to explore our community
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Main event

Our Annual All-Day Event with Live Speakers and Performers at The New Vic

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Coming Soon

Be sure you don’t miss these conversations coming later this year.
* indicates new guest added to the show.

Jan Campbell 12/9
Finding a Vaccine for Violence

* OP Almarez 12/16
Cleaning up after COVID

Bittersweet Gratitude
Virtual Concert and Conversations
Jackson Gillies
Kenny Loggins
Hana Loggins
Zach Gil
Glenn Philips
John Irving and the Renaissance Dancers

People Are Talking

“It was an honor to contribute, once again, to the profoundly vital discussions the TEDxSantaBarbara team hosts, initiates and propagates with unparalleled integrity and consistency."
Dr. Harry Grammer, Making Waves speaker
"Really nicely done to be using your platform to spotlight something like this. Very proud of you guys."
Evan Asher, TEDxSantaBarbara performer
“Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your Conversations. Each of these presentations helps to make connections across disciplines, as a result, we’re all inspired to learn more.”
Dr. Yonette Thomas, Making Waves speaker
“This series has been terrific! I have caught a few of them and the conversations have been insightful. Keep up the great work.”
Julie Sorenson, Attendee
“Thanks so much for hosting such an important presentation by Dr. Wizdom Powell.”
Cheri C. Wilson, Education and Training Manager, Johns Hopkins Medicine
This program is one of the best I have ever seen in my life. This was amazing and there are not enough words to say Thank You and your Team."
Attendee, BJ King
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MARK SYLVESTER

Making Waves Salon Host
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TRACY WYLE

Making Waves Salon Producer

What is the TEDx Santa Barbara Salon?

Our TEDx Salon is different than a live, in-person event where speakers give 12-18 minute talks in front of an audience. Instead, our Salon is an online conversation with our host, Mark Sylvester, and our guest, who is an expert in their field and joins us for a short talk, followed by questions from the online audience.

The topics we explore are focused on the Pandemic, Sustainability, Creativity, Technology, and Social Justice. We look at them individually and, at times, see how one has influenced the other. We look through various lenses and hear different voices as we explore these categories. 

We navigate through opinions to help us reflect on our existing attitudes, increase our knowledge, and, when appropriate, take action. The exploration of ideas can provoke and impact our opinions of topics we bring to be discussed. Sometimes we make waves as well.

We want to thank the Community Environmental Council and the UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management for their help in curating our Sustainability track.

SPEAKERS: This is an invitation-only event. Please do not send us unsolicited requests to speak. Thank you.